There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of a warm, creamy breakfast already made for you. This Strawberry and Cream Crockpot Oatmeal is one of those recipes that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with juicy strawberries—perfect for busy mornings or even as a special treat on weekends. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you while you sleep! My kids absolutely love it, and I’m betting your family will too. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups steel-cut oats
- 4 cups milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (plus extra for topping)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for extra richness)
Tools:
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Small knife and cutting board (for prepping strawberries)
Pro Tips:
- Use steel-cut oats – They’re the best for slow cooking and give a hearty texture. Don’t substitute with rolled oats; they’ll turn to mush.
- Grease your crockpot – Spray the inside with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner to avoid sticking (and make cleanup easier!).
- Stir in the cream at the end – This keeps the oatmeal super creamy and luxurious without overcooking.
- Customize the sweetness – Add sweetener at the end so you can adjust it to your family’s taste.
- Fresh toppings are key – Add sliced strawberries, nuts, or even a dollop of yogurt for that “wow” factor.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small knife
- Cutting board
Substitutions and Variations:
- Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup, agave, or skip it altogether.
- Strawberries: Try blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples if you’re out of strawberries.
- Cinnamon: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a twist on the flavor.
Make Ahead Tips:
- Prep everything the night before! Chop your strawberries, measure out the oats, and have all the ingredients ready to toss into the slow cooker before bed.
How to Make Strawberry and Cream Crockpot Oatmeal:
1. Grease the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner.
2. Add Ingredients
Add the steel-cut oats, milk, water, strawberries, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into the crockpot. Give everything a good stir.
3. Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours. It’ll smell amazing in the morning!
4. Stir in the Cream
Once it’s cooked, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) for extra creaminess. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Serve and Top
Scoop the oatmeal into bowls and top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of honey, or any toppings you love.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk when reheating in the microwave or on the stove to bring back the creamy texture.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion:
Strawberry and Cream Crockpot Oatmeal is such a simple, comforting recipe that’ll make your mornings so much easier (and yummier!). It’s kid-approved and can be dressed up with your favorite toppings. Give it a try this week, and let me know how your family likes it! Got any questions or fun twists you added? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! 💕
